In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, the Republic of Korea is set to acquire a fleet of additional F-35 aircraft and related equipment in a deal valued at approximately $5.06 billion. The approval for this Foreign Military Sale, which includes up to twenty-five F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft, along with twenty-five Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines to be installed and an additional engine as a spare, was granted by the U.S. State Department.
Photo: RoKAF
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, responsible for overseeing such agreements, officially notified Congress of this proposed sale.
The acquisition is expected to substantially enhance South Korea’s defense readiness and its ability to respond to current and future security challenges. By adding these advanced F-35s to their arsenal, South Korea aims to strengthen its deterrent capabilities within the region and ensure seamless interoperability with U.S. military forces.
South Korea has already demonstrated its commitment to the F-35 program, with a current inventory of forty F-35 aircraft. The acquisition of additional aircraft and engines will further augment the nation’s operational capabilities, particularly in air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense scenarios.
This development underscores the robust defense partnership between the United States and South Korea, with both nations working closely to maintain regional stability and security.
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